Improvements aren’t always easy to make. If you want to change your life, however, uncomfortable moves are sometimes necessary.

Are you feeling stagnant at the moment? Maybe life has reached a plateau and you find yourself falling into a humdrum. This happens to many of us, in fact, everyone comes to a point in their life where things seem to lose their flavor. Now, here’s the key! You must change your life.

When I speak of changing your life, I don’t mean do drastic things for the heck of it. There should be a purpose behind what you’re trying to do. This change, the moves that really make a difference, will not be comfortable, however.

While you might experience a whole lot of discomfort while making these improvements, the idea is to push forward until you see results.

How do I start?

Okay, so you get the point, change is not easy. And so you also understand that change is necessary. Here are a few changes and actions that will help you improve your life!

1. Become an early riser

Go ahead and get those curses out of your system and prepare yourself. Getting up early is not always easy; it can be downright hellish. One of the simplest ways to make a change, however, is to get out of bed earlier.

The earlier you get up, the more you will accomplish. You have just given yourself an extra hour or two to complete tasks. Maybe you can go for a walk, which will improve your health.

Maybe you can get a head start on that project you’ve been contemplating. There are many things you can do with extra time!

2. Kill procrastination

Listen, it’s easy to put off tasks until later, but it really sets you behind in the long run. Procrastination is a killer of goals. Once you get used to procrastinating, it gets easier to do, until it even becomes a negative lifestyle. Now, here comes the uncomfortable part.

You have to put your foot down and refuse to procrastinate any longer. Take that first step by writing a list of your goals for tomorrow and try to accomplish each one if possible. It may be hard to stick to the schedule, but you will be glad you did.

3. If you want it, ask

If you desire something, most of the time it won’t just land in your lap. You have to work for what you want. Sometimes you have to ask for it too, and yes, asking can be difficult. It never hurts to speak up and ask for something that could change your life. After all, the worse thing that could happen is to be told “no”.

4. Practice saying “No”

On the other hand, sometimes you have to give a negative answer. Not everything that people ask of you should be completed, and sometimes, you just don’t have the energy to make everyone happy. Saying no is probably one of the most liberating moves to change your life.

5. Stand up/speak out

Remember speech class? Yeah, I bet you hated that subject in school. Well, one way to change your life for the better is volunteering to speak in front of other people. It puts you right in the center of the spotlight and everyone takes notice. It can be terrifying.

Public speaking is so daunting that it is in a phobia class all its own. In fact, it’s referred to as glossophobia. But when you face this fear head-on, you will reach a whole new level of bravery and thus, lift your confidence. As most people know, confidence is one of the keys to success.

6. Socialize

For some people, socializing is horrible, let’s just be honest. Unfortunately and fortunately at the same time, socializing or networking is the only way some goals are reached. Take online work, for instance.

Networking provides a way for entrepreneurs and other professionals to become aware of leads and the latest news, providing easier access to their goals. While socializing may be uncomfortable, it’s sometimes necessary to change your life.

7. Accept and offer criticism

Criticism can sometimes be akin to a needle in the side. It can be painful and even your self-esteem can take a small blow from its truth. After all, is said and done, although, criticism can prove to be a powerful influence on the success of your business or family life.

Not only must you learn to accept criticism, you should offer criticism to others as well. This is what keeps us moving beyond the plateau and into territory that will provide more growth. Although others might seem offended by our suggestions, they will later benefit from what they’ve learned.

8. Mistakes will happen

Understand that mistakes are bound to happen sooner or later. The part that promotes your growth, however, is when you can accept these mistakes and learn from them. If you keep moving ahead, despite your setbacks, you may even forget most of your failures on the way to your destination.

Just keep in mind, no matter how good you become, you will still make mistakes. It’s an ongoing growth process.

9. Compliments are good

Some people have trouble accepting compliments and it holds them back. Be careful when you get into the habit of downplaying your compliments, this can damage your self-esteem and even how others see you.

If you learn to accept the good things that others say, you will be able to see the good that you bring to the table. You will also be able to see yourself in a positive light as others do.

10. Take a few risks

You may want to take a few risks every now and then. Always playing it safe is good in its own right, and you won’t fail as much if you aren’t reaching out, but guess what? You also limit your success as well.

Sometimes it’s okay to apply for a job that could be a little challenging because usually, we cannot see our full potential until put it to the test. Never be afraid to take a few risks and see what you can really do.

11. Let things go

It’s difficult, at times, to forget things that have happened in the past. It actually seems easier to ruminate over these things, trying to discover what went wrong. In order to change your life, you must learn to let things go.

Even the really difficult issues must be set aside so that you can concentrate on your future goals. Start by letting small things go first and then work up to larger hindrances. You will quickly see how the path gets easier.

Do the difficult/ see results

I said it before and I will say it again, if you want real change, you will do what’s hard for you. It’s plain and simple; there’s no other way about it. Yes, staying in your comfort zone works for some, but for most people, it can kill any potential for real growth. Uncomfortable choices may be the only way to reach your goals.

Utilize one of these tips, take just one step, and see if this works for you! Hey, it’s worth a try!